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| NICET Newsletter | September 2010 |
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This September issue of News from NICET is packed with exciting news, project updates and completions, and announcements. In fact, two of the NICET Board of Governors provided articles you don't want to miss.
The program features Online Practice Tests. Now candidates can get the feel of the new computer-based format and measure knowledge of the content before taking the certification exam.
The Fire Protection Programs update article contains time-sensitive information about the end of Work Element Programs.
Plus, we will start posting 2011 Test Centers and Dates in October. The bottom of this message contains how to contact NICET by phone. It is a pleasure to serve you. Sincerely, Chip Hollis NICET Manager, Marketing & Public Relations
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Doing the Right Thing
By NICET Board of Governor Wade R. Abbott, SET
A strange new opportunity is making its way through the NICET community. While the face of this opportunity beams with new experiences and financial gain, lurking behind the scene is a serious ethical dilemma ready to bite.
In alarmingly increasing numbers, NICET certificants...Read More |
Pricing for Standard Model/CBT
NICET's Standard Model pricing for testing and work experience review provides greater flexibility to meet the needs of testing and certification candidates. NICET certification is based on achieving a passing score on an exam or exams, and a successful work experience review. NICET individually priced the application process for Standard Model/Computer-Based Testing (CBT) programs into exam fees and application review fees for work experience. To ensure timely certification or a Conditional Decision Letter (CDL) here are a few things to remember. Read More |
Announcements
Per the Disciplinary Action Guidelines, reinstatement of suspended certifications and privileges will require satisfactory completion of a NICET-approved ethics course/seminar over and beyond any continuing education courses/seminars being used to satisfy Policy 30 requirements. Individuals seeking an approved ethics course/seminar should visit NSPE Education. There you will find courses on Ethics as well as Business Development, Career Development, Technical Topics, and Young Engineers. Ethics courses offered by NSPE have been pre-approved by NICET for this purpose. Ethics courses offered by other organizations may also be acceptable. For more information please contact NICET.
-2010 October Board Meeting October 14-16, the NICET Board of Governors (BOG) will hold its first meeting for the 2010-2011 fiscal year in Saratoga Springs, New York. The main topics of discussion during the meeting will be program development and other general NICET business. -NICET Ambassador ProgramThe review process is underway; selected Ambassadors will be notified by the end of October. NICET welcomes and encourages all interested candidates to apply. For more information please visit the web page, NICET Ambassadors Program. -Changes to FeesDue to changing processes and increased administrative costs, many of NICET's fees have been modified. While some fee changes were implemented July 1, the majority of the fees changes were implemented on September 1. For more information please visit NICET Fees page. -AFSA 94th Annual Meeting
The AFSA 2010 National Convention and Exhibition is September 29-October 3, 2010 at the Westin Hotels and Resorts in Providence, Rhode Island.
NICET's Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, Chip Hollis and Program Manager, Jan paul Miller will be attending. Be sure to visit the NICET booth, booth #427 to
- discover how NICET programs can help you with your workforce needs
- determine your next step along the Engineering Technician career path
During the largest gathering of fire sprinkler professionals in North America you will receive four information-packed days of educational programming, interaction with experts and emerging leaders in the fire protection industry, obtain new techniques to implement immediately, and network with colleagues.
Remember: Education sessions that you attend that enhance your technical knowledge and job skills are worth one CPD point per hour towards NICET recertification. -New Program Under Development: Electrical Testing
NICET is currently developing a four level certification program for Electrical Testing technicians. The certification program is intended for technicians who are engaged in the inspection, testing, and periodic maintenance of electrical power equipment, and evaluation of such equipment for acceptance for service, continued serviceability, or required maintenance.
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Fire Protection Programs
NICET's Transition to the Standard Model/CBT Format
On February 1, 2010, NICET released the first exam for Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) in the Standard Model/Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format. FAS is NICET's first program to transition from Work Elements to the Standard Model. All NICET programs are scheduled to make the transition over the next few years to provide scheduling convenience, faster scoring, and industry-standard testing methods. The following is the current status and release schedule for the Fire Protection Programs.
 Fire Alarm Systems:
All levels are now live and Practice Tests are available through the NICET web site.
Work Element applications for FAS must be received electronically or postmarked by January 31, 2011. Work Element testing ends for FAS on June 30, 2011.
Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout
 Level I and II: Available Now!
Level III: December 2010
Level IV: 2011
Work Element applications for Water-Based Systems Layout must be received electronically or postmarked by June 30, 2011. Work Element testing ends for Water-Based Systems Layout on September 30, 2011.
Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Levels I and II: February 1, 2011
Level III: March 1, 2011
Special Hazards Suppression Systems
Schedule to be determined.
NICET is still seeking qualified individuals to volunteer for the development of Water-Based Systems Layout, Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, and Special Hazards Suppression Systems. Click to Volunteer Now!
The release of the CBT Level I exam in a given program initiates the beginning of the transition period to complete Work Element testing in that program. Transition for each program will be posted on the NICET website and featured in News from NICET. |
Codename: Sprinklers
Automatic Sprinkler System Layout, NICET's oldest fire protection certification program, has a new name. Since the program became operational in 1980, systems and the scope of layout work have evolved. Following the guidance of industry experts, NICET recently changed the name of the program to Water-Based Systems Layout. Subject Matter Experts (SME) based their recommendation on a review of the material covered by the program's exams and the term used for these types of systems in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards. While the official name has changed most people simply call it Sprinklers.
This name change applies to both the Work Element (WE) format and Standard Model/Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format currently in development. Read More |
 Technician Spotlight: Veronika Orsinger In this issue of the Technician Spotlight, we highlight Mrs. Veronika Orsinger, a Project Engineer from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Mrs. Orsinger currently holds a NICET Level IV in Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout, which she achieved in September of 2005. She works almost exclusively on commercial projects, in which her biggest project to date was over $3 million. To remain current in her field she attends conventions and seminars hosted by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). In addition, she volunteers for NICET writing and review sessions. Here's what Mrs. Orsinger had to say about NICET: Read More |
 What is ASCET?
by NICET Board of Governors Vice-Chairman
Bill Aaron, Jr., SET
In 1961, the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) established the Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (ICET). This eventually transitioned into the current National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). The Institutes were established to provide a way to test and document the educational and technical proficiency of certified engineering technicians and technologists. Shortly after ICET/NICET's founding, it became apparent to newly certified engineering technicians that a forum was needed to discuss certification recognition as well as sharing work experiences and ways to improve professional status. In April 1964, seventy certified engineering technicians met in Kansas City, Missouri, and formed the American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians (ASCET) to promote these goals. The organizational meeting for ASCET was sponsored by NSPE who assisted in defining the organizational structure and provided the necessary funds needed to establish the new society. The major goal of ASCET is to recognize certified engineering technicians and technologists as vital parts of the "engineering team" and to provide interaction with the other team members. Read More |
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Apply Online For NICET Testing | |
Save Time, Apply Online
NICET is committed to continuously improving our customer service and satisfaction. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the ability for applicants to apply online to schedule a NICET exam.
Key Benefits:
· Reduces the turn-around time necessary to confirm a test date;
· Removes the guesswork of selecting tests and an available test center;
· Instant confirmation;
· Ability to pay using a credit card; and
· Integrates with the NICET database making it easier to complete a testing application.
We encourage you to take advantage of applying online. Only a few steps are necessary. To apply:
· Follow the link entitled "Exam Application" on the left-hand side
· Select your field and subfield
· For Standard Model/CBT Exams:
o Select a 3-month testing window
o Enter/verify billing information
o Enter credit card information
· For Work Element Exams:
o Select the appropriate work elements
o Select a test center using either the zip code, state, or center code
o Select an available test center and date*
o Enter/verify billing information
o Enter credit card information
If you have not tested with NICET previously, and would like to take advantage of the online application process please contact NICET at 888-476-4238 or complete the [Online Access Request Form] to have an account set-up for you.
*NICET encourages its testing centers to schedule future testing dates at least 6-12 months in advance. However, there are times when they just cannot commit that far into the future. Consequently NICET cannot confirm testing requests for these future unknown/unpublished testing dates -- even though we expect to continue testing at these locations beyond the published testing dates. |
NICET Salary Survey
In mid-February of this year, NICET launched a wage and salary survey to assess the compensation package of individuals working within the engineering technology profession. By the close of the survey, in early July, the survey garnered over 4,900 responses from the 50 states, District of Columbia, Canada, Guam, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, and Puerto Rico. With such a great response, NICET would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that participated in the 2010 Salary Survey. Participants will receive a summary of the salary survey results in the October. Here's a snapshot of the "typical" engineering technician that responded to the survey:
- Is male (94%)
- Resides in the south-eastern U.S. states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia (41%)
- Is between the age range of 40-49 (30%) or 30-39 (30%)
- Identifies himself as an engineering technician (54%)
- Is employed full-time (98%)
- Possesses 10-14 years of experience (21%)
- Receives an hourly wage (58%)
- Works for a privately held company (67%), which employs between 20-99 employees (26%)
- Has been employed with the current employer for 10 or more years
- Practices within the Fire Protection industry (67%)
For more information or to purchase a complete copy of the salary survey, please visit www.nicet.org. |
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